Fastener having supplemental support and retention capabilities

ABSTRACT

A fastener, such as a nail, screw, etc., which possesses supplemental support and/or retention capability is provided. The fastener includes an elongated auxiliary member secured interiorly to, exteriorly to, or along the shaft of the fastener. The auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at two or more portions of the shaft. The auxiliary member provides the shaft with additional support strength and/or enables fastened materials to be retained upon breakage or shearing of the shaft as a result of, for example, heavy tensile or shearing loads. To facilitate breakage or shearing of the shaft, the shaft may be provided with a deformation, such as a notch or reduced circumference, at one or more desired locations such that the shaft breaks or shears at the deformation(s), thereby allowing the auxiliary member to function as the sole member which retains the fastened materials. The auxiliary member may be sufficiently flexible and pliable such that, upon breakage or shearing of the shaft, retention of the materials is maintained but in a less stressed form.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field offasteners. In particular, the present invention relates to fastenerswhich possess supplemental support and retention capabilities. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to fasteners which possesssupplemental support, and which possess retention capabilities uponbreakage of the fastener shaft, by utilizing an elongated auxiliarymember secured interiorly or exteriorly to the shaft, or along theshaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In various instances, a fastener, e.g. a nail or screw, has beenused to hold a material in place, such as house siding, shingles,sheathing, panels, structural members, etc., or to fasten studs, joists,beams, etc. In most cases, keeping materials fastened together is thesole goal and purpose of the fastener. However, in regions subject towindy conditions and/or earthquakes, these fasteners may fail to performtheir sole function which sometimes results in unfortunate consequences.For example, these fasteners, often times, are subject to high tensileand/or shear forces which cause the shaft to break thereby allowing thefastened material to separate during high winds or wind gusts, or duringvibrations from an earthquake. When this occurs, the unfastenedmaterials depart from their fastened or intended location and mayinflict injury to innocent bystanders or may damage property in itswake.

[0003] Thus, it is desirable to provide a fastener which is able toovercome the above disadvantages experienced during adverse atmosphericconditions and/or during vibrations associated with, for example,earthquakes, and yet has sufficient strength so as to maintain adequatefastening ability during all climate and stability conditions.

[0004] Alternatively, for fastening together portions of certain highlystressed constructions, such as aircraft or other assemblies requiringhigh strength and/or light weight, many variations of fasteners havebeen suggested. For example, many of these prior art fasteners have beenmade of a core material to which a different material has been appliedas a thin protective coating, as by plating, galvanizing, or otherapplication methods. However, in these fasteners, the reduction inweight has caused a corresponding reduction in strength and/or theability to withstand other tensile or shear forces caused by thestresses to which the assembly may be subjected.

[0005] Attempts to overcome the disadvantages of these prior artfasteners have been successful in part but have introduced othershortcomings. Typically, a molded, non-metallic fastener having anexternal coating of metal provides a lightweight fastener, but isunlikely to have the desired strength to withstand severe tensile and/orshear forces without a significant increase in size. Also, metal coatednon-metallic fasteners typically cannot be used in conjunction withmetallic structures since the relatively thin metallic coating can bequickly destroyed or worn away by the metallic structures, therebypermitting the assembled structures to act against the more fragilenon-metallic core material. Thus, under the high stress conditions inwhich these fasteners may be used, failures can occur resulting incutting through or shearing of the non-metallic core.

[0006] It is therefore desirable to provide a fastener havingsupplemental support that can be utilized in critical and/orhigh-stressed constructions (as well as normal or typicalconstructions), and that does not suffer from the above drawbacks.

[0007] These and other advantages of the present invention will becomemore fully apparent from the detailed description of the inventionhereinbelow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a fastener comprising ashaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the first endcomprises a head. The fastener also comprises an auxiliary membersecured to the shaft at at least two portions of the shaft. Theauxiliary member is surrounded by the shaft and may be providedsubstantially longitudinally within the shaft. Alternatively, theauxiliary member may be exterior to the shaft and may either be providedsubstantially longitudinally on the shaft, in a spiral configuration onthe shaft, or in a braid-type configuration on the shaft. Further, theauxiliary member may be provided in a groove along the shaft or in anindentation along the shaft. The groove or the indentation may beprovided substantially longitudinally along the shaft, in a spiralconfiguration along the shaft, or in a braid-type configuration alongthe shaft. The auxiliary member may be positioned substantially withinthe groove or within the indentation such that an outermost exposedsurface of the auxiliary member lies flush with an adjacent exposedsurface of the shaft. When utilizing the braid-type groove orindentation, the auxiliary member may be positioned substantially withinthe groove or within the indentation such that an exterior diameter ofthe auxiliary member is substantially equal to an exterior diameter ofan adjacent exposed portion of the shaft.

[0009] The auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at at least a firstportion of the shaft and at at least a second portion of the shaft,wherein the second portion of the shaft is located closer to the secondend than the first portion of the shaft. The auxiliary member may besecured to the shaft at one or more additional portions of the shaftwhich are in the vicinity of the first portion of the shaft. The firstportion of the shaft and the one or more additional portions of theshaft are preferably circumferentially distributed about the shaft. Theauxiliary member may be secured to the shaft at one or more furtherportions of the shaft which are in the vicinity of the second portion ofthe shaft. The second portion of the shaft and the one or more furtherportions of the shaft are preferably circumferentially distributed aboutthe shaft. The first portion of the shaft may be located on the head orthe longitudinal portion of the shaft.

[0010] The auxiliary member may comprise at least one item selected fromthe group consisting of cable, rope, strap, cord, bar, chain, wire,sleeve, and combinations thereof. When the auxiliary member is selectedin the form of a cable, the cable may comprise a material selected fromthe group consisting of a metal, fiber, Plexiglas, rubber, plastic,leather, and combinations thereof. The cable may be multi-braided andmay be flexible. When the auxiliary member is selected in the form of asleeve, the sleeve may comprise a material selected from the groupconsisting of a metal, fiber, Plexiglas, rubber, plastic, leather, andcombinations thereof. The sleeve may be in mesh form and may beflexible. The sleeve surrounds the shaft and may completely or onlypartially longitudinally extend along the shaft. The sleeve may bepositioned along a reduced-diameter section of the shaft such that anexterior diameter of the sleeve is substantially equal to an exteriordiameter of an adjacent exposed portion of the shaft.

[0011] The auxiliary member may be secured to the shaft at the at leasttwo portions of the shaft by at least one securing element selected fromthe group consisting of a crimp, weld, rivet, high press, glue, epoxy,adhesive, solder, and combinations thereof. The at least one securingelement may be circumferentially distributed about the shaft.

[0012] The shaft may comprise a material selected from the groupconsisting of metal, Teflon, wood, ceramic, hardened clay, fiber,Plexiglas, glass, stone, rubber, wax, plastic, and combinations thereof.The shaft may be in the form of a nail, screw, bolt, spike, pin, brad,tack, or the like.

[0013] At least one deformation may be provided along the shaft betweenthe first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft. Theat least one deformation may be selected from the group consisting of agroove, notch, cut, indentation, perforation, tear, crimp, andcombinations thereof. The at least one deformation may becircumferentially distributed about the shaft. Alternatively, the atleast one deformation may comprise a reduced-diameter sectioncircumferentially distributed about the shaft.

[0014] The present invention is also directed to a method formanufacturing a fastener of the types described above. The methodcomprises providing a shaft having a first end and a second end, whereinthe first end comprises a head. The method also comprises securing anauxiliary member to the shaft at at least two portions of the shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For the present invention to be clearly understood and readilypracticed, the present invention will be described in conjunction withthe following figures, wherein:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a nail that includes anauxiliary member secured interiorly within the shaft, in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the head of the nail shown in FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a side view of the nail shown in FIG. 1 (i.e. withoutillustration of crimps) which has suffered a break of the shaft;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary member shown inFIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a side view of a nail that includes an auxiliary membersecured exteriorly to the shaft, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a side view of a nail that includes an auxiliary membersecured exteriorly to the shaft and that includes a reduced-diametercircumferential groove provided along the shaft, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a side view of a screw that includes an auxiliary membersecured exteriorly to the shaft and that includes notches provided alongthe shaft, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0023]FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of a nail that includes anauxiliary member secured in a longitudinal groove or longitudinalindentation along the shaft, in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 9 is a non-exploded side view of the nail shown in FIG. 8;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a non-exploded side view of the nail shown in FIG. 8further including a notch provided along the shaft;

[0026]FIG. 11 is a side view of a nail that includes an auxiliary memberthat surrounds the shaft in a braid-type configuration, in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027]FIG. 12 is a side view of a nail that includes an auxiliary memberthat surrounds the shaft in a sleeve configuration, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of thepresent invention may have been simplified to illustrate elements thatare relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, whileeliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements found in a typicalfastener. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that otherelements may be desirable and/or required in order to implement thepresent invention. However, because such elements are well known in theart, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of thepresent invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.It is also to be understood that the drawings included herewith onlyprovide diagrammatic representations of the presently preferredstructures of the present invention and that structures falling withinthe scope of the present invention may include structures different thanthose shown in the drawings. Reference will now be made to the drawingswherein like structures are provided with like reference designations.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a cross-sectional side viewof a nail 10 having a shaft 12. The shaft 12 includes a first end whichcomprises a head 11, and a second end which comprises a tip 13. Theshaft 12 may comprise any suitable material such as, for example, metal,Teflon, wood, ceramic, hardened clay, fiber, Plexiglas, glass, stone,rubber, wax, plastic, or combinations thereof. In a preferredembodiment, the shaft 12 comprises a metal. The nail 10 may ultimatelybe the individual (loose) type or it may be the type which is to beemployed in nail guns. If intended for nail guns, the nail 10 wouldoptionally be employed in collated or cartridge form.

[0030] The nail 10 includes an elongated auxiliary member 14 securedinteriorly within a longitudinal space 17 within the shaft 12. Thelongitudinal space 17 runs the full length of the shaft 12 or onlypartially. FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the head 11 of the nail 10shown in FIG. 1. The auxiliary member 14 is preferably centrallypositioned within the longitudinal space 17 within the shaft 12 of thenail 10. In an alternative embodiment the auxiliary member 14 may beabutted against one side of the interior surface of the shaft 12 orinstead, the auxiliary member 14 may be abutted against the entireinterior surface of the shaft 12 thereby eliminating longitudinal space17.

[0031] The auxiliary member 14 is preferably sufficiently flexible andpliable such that, upon breakage or shearing of the shaft 12 (see FIG.3), retention of the previously solidly fastened materials ismaintained, but in a less stressed configuration. This retentioncapability would prevent the previously solidly fastened materials fromcoming completely disengaged (e.g. from the targeted wall of a house orbuilding, or from the targeted framing elements in the construction offramed buildings) thereby avoiding complete separation of theonce-solidly fastened materials. Upon adverse conditions, and uponbreakage or shearing of the shaft 12, the auxiliary member 14 is able toabsorb energy (i.e. derived from the adverse conditions) to therebyenable a high tear-out strength.

[0032] The auxiliary member 14 may comprise a cable, rope, strap, cord,bar, chain, wire, sleeve, or combinations thereof. In a preferredembodiment, the auxiliary member 14 comprises a cable, or morepreferably, a multi-braided cable. The cable, either in single ormulti-braided form, may comprise a material such as, for example, metal,fiber, Plexiglas, rubber, plastic, leather, or combinations thereof. Ina preferred embodiment, the cable comprises seven braids 14 a (see FIG.4). Each braid 14 a comprises seven individual wires 14 b.Alternatively, the number of braids 14 a within the cable may be varieddependent on the strength and/or flexibility of the auxiliary member 14desired. Also, the number of wires 14 b within each braid 14 a may bevaried dependent on the strength and/or flexibility of the auxiliarymember 14 desired.

[0033] The auxiliary member 14 is fixedly secured to the interiorsurface of the shaft 12 at at least a first portion of the shaft 12 andat at least a second portion of the shaft 12, wherein the second portionof the shaft 12 is located closer to the tip 13 of the second end thanthe first portion of the shaft 12. In a preferred embodiment, theauxiliary member 14 is secured to the shaft 12 at one or more additionalportions of the shaft 12 which are in the vicinity of the first portionof the shaft 12. The first portion of the shaft 12 and the one or moreadditional portions of the shaft 12 are preferably circumferentiallydistributed about the shaft 12. The auxiliary member 14 may additionallybe secured to the shaft 12 at one or more further portions of the shaft12 which are in the vicinity of the second portion of the shaft 12. Thesecond portion of the shaft 12 and the one or more further portions ofthe shaft 12 are preferably circumferentially distributed about theshaft 12.

[0034] The securing of the auxiliary member 14 to the interior surfaceof the shaft 12 is performed by securing elements 15. The securingelements 15 comprise, for example, a crimp, weld, rivet, high press,glue, epoxy, adhesive, solder, or combinations thereof. In a preferredembodiment, the securing elements 15 are comprised of crimps, weld, orsilver type solder. When two or more securing elements 15 are providedat either or both of the first or second portions of the shaft 12, thesecuring elements 15 are preferably circumferentially distributed aboutthe shaft 12 at the respective first and/or second portions of the shaft12.

[0035] In instances where facilitation of breakage (or shearing) of theshaft 12 is desired (i.e. when separation of the fastened materials isimminent and/or when separation of the fastened materials is desired ata particular location along the shaft 12), it may be preferable toprovide at least one deformation 16 along the shaft 12 between the firstportion of the shaft 12 and the second portion of the shaft 12. The atleast one deformation 16 comprises, for example, a groove, notch, cut,indentation, perforation, tear, crimp, or combinations thereof, and ispreferably circumferentially distributed about the shaft 12. In apreferred embodiment, the at least one deformation comprises areduced-diameter section circumferentially distributed about the shaft12. When the shaft 12 is subject to any type of high tensile and/orshear forces (e.g. during conditions of sustained high winds or highwind gusts, or during vibrations resulting from an earthquake), theshaft 12 will break at the deformations 16 thereby allowing theauxiliary member 14 to function as the sole retainer of the materials.The once-rigidly fastened materials will be retained in a less stressedform thereby avoiding total separation of the materials.

[0036] The pre-emptive utilization of the at least one deformation 16along the shaft 12 may also be advantageous in instances where theparticular location of the breakage of the shaft 12 is desired orcritical. For example, when nail 10 is utilized to fasten 1 inch thicksheathing to a housing wall, the at least one deformation 16 ispreferably positioned at a longitudinal location along the shaft 12 suchthat breakage thereof will occur just outside the vicinity of the partof the shaft 12 which binds or carries the sheathing. In other words, inthis instance, the location of the at least one deformation 16 ispreferably positioned 1-inch or more measured from the head 11 of thenail 10. In this configuration, the breakage of the shaft 12 will allowthe sheathing to still be retained. That is, the sheathing will not snapoff entirely, but rather, will be retained in a less stressed form alongthe housing wall by utilization of the auxiliary member 14.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, a #10-type metal nail which is 3inches long and is 0.15 inch in diameter (see thickness D1 in FIG. 1)measured at the shaft is provided. The deformation (i.e. in the form ofa score which is cut 0.015 inch deep—see depth D2 in FIG. 1) is made ⅝inch below the head to accommodate ⅝ inch thick sheathing.

[0038] The nail incorporates a multi-braided cable which has an overalldiameter of 0.095 inch with a working load capacity of 450 pounds. Themulti-braided cable comprises seven braids each of which has a diameterof 0.03 inch. Each of the seven braids comprises seven wires each ofwhich has a diameter of 0.01 inch. The shaft has a 0.03 inch wallthickness between the exterior and interior surfaces.

[0039] The nail may be made from tubing with a cable inserted therein.The tubing (shaft) is high pressed at one end to form the nail's tip. Inthis configuration, the cable would then be crimped within the tubing byan additional high pressing applied to the tubing's exterior surface.The depth of the crimp may be 0.03 inch (see depth D3 in FIG. 1). In analternative process, the tubing, along with the cable therein, is highpressed together at one end to form the nail's tip while simultaneouslyfixedly securing the cable (i.e. at one end thereof) within the tubing.The nail's head may be formed with a punch-forming die. The cable isalso crimped within the tubing at a location which is longitudinallybelow the head.

[0040] For mass manufacturing, the nails would preferably be made usinga casting technique. Casting of the nail would involve pouring metalaround a mold. The mold would incorporate one section or a plurality ofsections which would ultimately shape the shaft (i.e. including the headand tip). The mold would be configured to allow for a hollow interiorwithin the shaft (and head) to be effected.

[0041] In an alternative process, the head may be formed in a separatecasting process and then affixed to the shaft by techniques which arewell known to those skilled in the nail manufacturing area. For theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a central bore (leading tolongitudinal space 17) would be provided during casting of the head toallow for the placement of the cable. If a solid head (i.e. without acentral bore) were made from the separate casting process, the centralbore may subsequently be provided by drilling, cutting or perforatingthe head.

[0042] Another alternative process for manufacturing the nail involvesutilizing an common off-the-shelf solid-type nail. The solid-type nailwould be held in a vise or any device to prevent movement of the nail. Adrill may be used to create the longitudinal space within the shaft. Thedrill bit may enter the shaft either on the side of the head or the sideof the tip. The drill may pass completely through the entire shaftportion (i.e. including through the head and tip), or may pass partiallythough the shaft. The cable is subsequently inserted into thelongitudinal space through either the head or the tip, and may befixedly secured in place by securing elements 15 which are describedabove. If solder is chosen as the type of securing element, it may beprovided at an exterior portion of the head and/or an exterior portionof the tip (i.e. exterior to the longitudinal space in both instances).As an alternative to the drill bit performing the rotation in theprocess of forming the longitudinal space, the nail may instead beplaced on a lathe to enable turning thereof whilst forming thelongitudinal space.

[0043]FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment as an alternative to thatdescribed in FIGS. 1-4 wherein a side view of a nail 110 is depicted.The nail 110 is of solid-type and includes an auxiliary member 114secured exteriorly to the shaft 112 in a substantially longitudinaldirection. The auxiliary member 114 may be secured to the shaft 112using a securing element 115 at each end of the auxiliary member 114thereby allowing for a gap to be provided between a central portion ofthe auxiliary member 114 and the exterior surface of the shaft 112.Alternatively, the auxiliary member 114 may be secured to the shaft 112along the entire length (or majority of the length) of the auxiliarymember 114 thereby eliminating any gap between a central portion of theauxiliary member 114 and the exterior surface of the shaft 112. Theauxiliary member 114 and securing elements 115 may be of the typesdescribed above in conjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4.

[0044]FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of a nail 110 thatincludes an auxiliary member 114 secured exteriorly to the shaft 112 asper FIG. 5. However, the nail 110 depicted in FIG. 6 includes adeformation 116 in the form of a reduced-diameter circumferential grooveprovided along the shaft. The securing element 115 a closest to the head111 is affixed to the head 111 itself instead of the shaft 112. Thedeformation 116, auxiliary member 114, and securing elements 115, 115 amay be of the types described above in conjunction with the embodimentof FIGS. 1-4.

[0045]FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment comprising a solid-type screw 210that includes an auxiliary member 214 secured exteriorly to the shaft212 and that includes a deformation 216 in the form of notches providedalong the shaft 212. The securing element 215 located closer to the tip213 is provided adjacent the threads 218 of the screw 210. Thedeformation 216, auxiliary member 214, and securing elements 215 may beof the types described above in conjunction with the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-4 and 6.

[0046]FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment wherein an exploded sideview of a solid-type nail 310 is depicted. The nail 310 includes anauxiliary member 314 secured in a groove or indentation 319 along theshaft 312. The groove or indentation 319 extends partially or completelyalong the shaft 312 in a substantially longitudinal direction. Theauxiliary member 314 lies within the groove or indentation 319 and isaffixed thereto by securing elements of the type described above inconjunction with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7. The groove or indentation319 may be provided during casting of the shaft 312. Alternatively, ashaft may be formed (e.g. cast) without the groove or indentation 319. Agroove, notch, cut, indentation, perforation, tear, crimp, orcombinations would subsequently be provided along the shaft 312. FIG. 9illustrates a non-exploded side view of the nail 310 shown in FIG. 8.FIG. 10 illustrates a non-exploded side view of the nail 310 shown inFIG. 8 further including a deformation 316 in the form of a notchprovided along the shaft 312. The deformation 316 (in FIG. 10) andauxiliary member 314 (in FIGS. 8-10) may be of the types described abovein conjunction with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 7.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the auxiliary member 314 may liesubstantially within the groove or indentation 319 such that theoutermost exposed surface of the auxiliary member 314 lies flush withthe adjacent exposed surface of the shaft 312 (i.e. the adjacent surfaceof the shaft 312 that does not include the auxiliary member 314thereon). This configuration facilitates less resistance during drivingof the nail into a targeted element.

[0048]FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment of a nail 410 which issimilar in configuration to that described above in conjunction with theembodiments of FIGS. 5, 6, and 8-10. However, the nail 410 depicted inFIG. 11 includes an auxiliary member 414 that surrounds the shaft 412 ina braid-type configuration. The auxiliary member 414 extends partiallyor completely longitudinally along the shaft 412. The auxiliary member414 lies on the shaft 412 and is affixed thereto by securing elements ofthe type described above in conjunction with the embodiments of FIGS.1-10. The securing elements are preferably located at opposite endportions of the auxiliary member.

[0049] In this exemplary embodiment, the nail may be manufactured usingoff-the-shelf components. The nail (i.e. without the braid-typeauxiliary member 414) may be a commercial #10-type metal nail. Thebraid-type auxiliary member 414 may be the type of braided wire materialwhich typically surrounds shielded electrical wire. Braided wirematerial of this type is typically composed of stainless steel. A wiremanufacturer may preferably supply the braided wire material itself(i.e. without the electrical wire therewithin) in roll/spindle form. Thebraided wire material may then be cut to a predetermined length andaffixed to the shaft 412 by welding at opposite ends of the cut, braidedwire material.

[0050] Alternatively, the auxiliary member 414 may instead be secured ina groove or indentation along the shaft 412 wherein the groove orindentation is provided in a corresponding braid-type configurationalong the shaft 412. The braid-type groove or braid-type indentationextends partially or completely longitudinally along the shaft 412. Theauxiliary member 414 lies within the groove or indentation and isaffixed thereto by securing elements of the type described above inconjunction with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-10. The auxiliary member 414may lie substantially within the groove or indentation such that theexterior diameter of the auxiliary member 414 is substantially equal tothe exterior diameter of the adjacent exposed portion of the shaft 412(i.e. the adjacent portion of the shaft 412 that does not include theauxiliary member 414 thereon). In other words, the exterior surface ofthe auxiliary member 414 lies flush with the adjacent exposed surface ofthe shaft 412. This configuration facilitates less resistance duringdriving of the nail into a targeted element.

[0051] The braid-type groove or braid-type indentation may be formed bysimilar techniques which are described above in conjunction with theembodiments of FIGS. 8-10. The deformation 416 may be of the typedescribed above in conjunction with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, 6, 7,and 10. The structure and composition of the braid-type auxiliary member414 may be of the type described above in conjunction with theembodiments of FIGS. 1-10. For example, the braid-type auxiliary member414 may be composed of interweaving cables. Each of the interweavingcables may comprise individual or braided fibers. Note that the term“fibers” in this embodiment as well as throughout the description mayinclude, but is not limited to, fibers of carbon-type and nylon-type.

[0052]FIG. 12 illustrates a further embodiment of a nail 510 which issimilar in configuration to that described above in conjunction with theembodiments of FIGS. 5, 6, and 8-11. However, the nail 510 depicted inFIG. 12 includes an auxiliary member 514 that surrounds the shaft 512 ina sleeve configuration. The auxiliary member 514 is preferably in theform of a mesh, but may alternatively be in solid form. The auxiliarymember 514 (even in mesh form) may be comprised of, e.g. metal, fiber,Plexiglas, rubber, plastic, leather, or combinations thereof. Theauxiliary member 514 is preferably sufficiently flexible and pliable asper the embodiments above and extends either partially or completelyalong the shaft 512 in a longitudinal direction. The auxiliary member514 lies on the shaft 512 and is affixed thereto by securing elements ofthe type described above in conjunction with the embodiments of FIGS.1-11. The deformation 516 may be of the type described above inconjunction with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, 6, 7, 10, and 11.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve-type auxiliary member514 may lie exteriorly to (i.e. surrounding) the shaft 512 along areduced-diameter section of the shaft 512 such that the exteriordiameter of the auxiliary member 514 is substantially equal to theexterior diameter of the adjacent exposed portion of the shaft 512 (i.e.the adjacent portion of the shaft 512 that does not include theauxiliary member 514 thereon). In other words, the exterior surface ofthe auxiliary member 514 lies flush with the adjacent exposed surface ofthe shaft 512. This configuration facilitates less resistance duringdriving of the nail into a targeted element.

[0054] As another alternative embodiment, the sleeve-type auxiliarymember 514 may be positioned within a longitudinal space provided withinthe shaft 512. In this configuration, the sleeve-type auxiliary member514 may be affixed to the interior surface of the shaft 512 usingsimilar techniques as that described above in conjunction with theembodiment of FIGS. 1-4.

[0055] The composition of the shaft for each of the nails in theembodiments of FIGS. 5-12 may be of the type described above inconjunction with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4.

[0056] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that variousmodifications and variations may be made to the embodiments describedabove without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, although the embodiments above describe aspectsof the invention in conjunction with a nail-type fastener, otherfasteners such as, for example, a screw, bolt, spike, pin, brad, tack,etc., may also be contemplated. The fastener may also be configured invarious dimensions (e.g. thicknesses, sizes, and lengths) dependent onthe strength, flexibility, and/or breakage or shearing threshold desiredof the fastener. Also, the fastener described in conjunction with FIGS.1-4 may alternatively be configured as a screw. This configuration maythen preferably employ an auxiliary member which is provided with aPhilips head-type or a traditional slot-type configuration at the endadjacent the head for applying a screwdriver to the screw. Further, eachof the embodiments described above may alternatively employ an auxiliarymember which is stiff or rigid (i.e. not flexible or pliable). In thisconfiguration, the auxiliary member would provide supplemental strengthto the fastener. Breakage or shearing of the shaft would not be desiredin this instance. The fastener may alternatively employ two or moreauxiliary members. Further, each of the embodiments described above mayemploy aspects taken from other embodiments. For example, one end (i.e.closest to the head 411) of the spiral-type auxiliary member 414 in FIG.11 may be affixed to the head 411 itself as per the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 (i.e. using securing element 115 a). It is therefore to beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the particularembodiments disclosed above, but it is intended to cover suchmodifications and variations as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fastener comprising: a shaft having a first endand a second end, wherein the first end comprises a head; and anauxiliary member secured to the shaft at at least two portions of theshaft.
 2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary member issurrounded by the shaft.
 3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein theauxiliary member is provided substantially longitudinally within theshaft.
 4. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary member isexterior to the shaft.
 5. The fastener of claim 4, wherein the auxiliarymember is provided substantially longitudinally on the shaft.
 6. Thefastener of claim 4, wherein the auxiliary member is provided in aspiral configuration on the shaft.
 7. The fastener of claim 4, whereinthe auxiliary member is provided in a braid-type configuration on theshaft.
 8. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary member isprovided in a groove along the shaft or in an indentation along theshaft.
 9. The fastener of claim 8, wherein the groove or the indentationis provided substantially longitudinally along the shaft.
 10. Thefastener of claim 8, wherein the groove or the indentation is providedin a spiral configuration along the shaft.
 11. The fastener of claim 8,wherein the groove or the indentation is provided in a braid-typeconfiguration along the shaft.
 12. The fastener of claim 11, wherein theauxiliary member is positioned substantially within the groove or withinthe indentation such that an exterior diameter of the auxiliary memberis substantially equal to an exterior diameter of an adjacent exposedportion of the shaft.
 13. The fastener of claim 8, wherein the auxiliarymember is positioned substantially within the groove or within theindentation such that an outermost exposed surface of the auxiliarymember lies flush with an adjacent exposed surface of the shaft.
 14. Thefastener of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary member is secured to theshaft at at least a first portion of the shaft and at at least a secondportion of the shaft, wherein the second portion of the shaft is locatedcloser to the second end than the first portion of the shaft.
 15. Thefastener of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary member is secured to theshaft at one or more additional portions of the shaft which are in thevicinity of the first portion of the shaft.
 16. The fastener of claim15, wherein the first portion of the shaft and the one or moreadditional portions of the shaft are circumferentially distributed aboutthe shaft.
 17. The fastener of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary member issecured to the shaft at one or more further portions of the shaft whichare in the vicinity of the second portion of the shaft.
 18. The fastenerof claim 17, wherein the second portion of the shaft and the one or morefurther portions of the shaft are circumferentially distributed aboutthe shaft.
 19. The fastener of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary member issecured to the shaft at one or more additional portions of the shaftwhich are in the vicinity of the first portion of the shaft, and at oneor more further portions of the shaft which are in the vicinity of thesecond portion of the shaft.
 20. The fastener of claim 19, wherein thefirst portion of the shaft and the one or more additional portions ofthe shaft are circumferentially distributed about the shaft, and whereinthe second portion of the shaft and the one or more further portions ofthe shaft are circumferentially distributed about the shaft.
 21. Thefastener of claim 14, wherein the first portion of the shaft is locatedon the head.
 22. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary membercomprises at least one item selected from the group consisting of cable,rope, strap, cord, bar, chain, wire, sleeve, and combinations thereof.23. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary member is a cable.24. The fastener of claim 23, wherein the cable comprises a materialselected from the group consisting of a metal, fiber, Plexiglas, rubber,plastic, leather, and combinations thereof.
 25. The fastener of claim23, wherein the cable is multi-braided.
 26. The fastener of claim 23,wherein the cable is flexible.
 27. The fastener of claim 1, wherein theauxiliary member is a sleeve.
 28. The fastener of claim 27, wherein thesleeve comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ametal, fiber, Plexiglas, rubber, plastic, leather, and combinationsthereof.
 29. The fastener of claim 27, wherein the sleeve is in meshform.
 30. The fastener of claim 27, wherein the sleeve is flexible. 31.The fastener of claim 27, wherein the sleeve surrounds the shaft. 32.The fastener of claim 27, wherein the sleeve only partiallylongitudinally extends along the shaft.
 33. The fastener of claim 32,wherein the sleeve surrounds the shaft and is positioned along areduced-diameter section of the shaft.
 34. The fastener of claim 33,wherein the sleeve surrounds the shaft and is positioned along areduced-diameter section of the shaft such that an exterior diameter ofthe sleeve is substantially equal to an exterior diameter of an adjacentexposed portion of the shaft.
 35. The fastener of claim 1, wherein theauxiliary member is secured to the shaft at the at least two portions ofthe shaft by at least one securing element selected from the groupconsisting of a crimp, weld, rivet, high press, glue, epoxy, adhesive,solder, and combinations thereof.
 36. The fastener of claim 35, whereinthe at least one securing element is circumferentially distributed aboutthe shaft.
 37. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises amaterial selected from the group consisting of metal, Teflon, wood,ceramic, hardened clay, fiber, Plexiglas, glass, stone, rubber, wax,plastic, and combinations thereof.
 38. The fastener of claim 1, whereinthe shaft defines a nail.
 39. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the shaftdefines a screw.
 40. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the shaft definesa bolt.
 41. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the shaft defines a spike.42. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the shaft defines a pin.
 43. Thefastener of claim 1, wherein the shaft defines a brad.
 44. The fastenerof claim 1, wherein the shaft defines a tack.
 45. The fastener of claim14, wherein at least one deformation is provided along the shaft betweenthe first portion of the shaft and the second portion of the shaft. 46.The fastener of claim 45, wherein the at least one deformation isselected from the group consisting of a groove, notch, cut, indentation,perforation, tear, crimp, and combinations thereof.
 47. The fastener ofclaim 45, wherein the at least one deformation is circumferentiallydistributed about the shaft.
 48. The fastener of claim 45, wherein theat least one deformation comprises a reduced-diameter sectioncircumferentially distributed about the shaft.
 49. A method formanufacturing a fastener, the method comprising: providing a shafthaving a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises ahead; and securing an auxiliary member to the shaft at at least twoportions of the shaft.